Customer Engineer – Network

Nexthop Systems Inc; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced engineers

Startup culture with ownership

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Nexthop AI in Bellevue, WA is seeking a driven new graduate for the Customer Engineering team to design and test network architectures, write automation scripts, support proof-of-concepts, and serve as a technical bridge between Nexthop's engineering team and hyperscaler partners.

You will work hands-on from day one, applying Python/Bash, TCP/IP, and multi-vendor networking concepts to real deployments while collaborating with APAC teams.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level program with hands-on lab learning.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, and security.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English for real-time collaboration.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language (Python/Bash).
• Analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable network architectures in lab and production settings.
• Configure and troubleshoot routing, switching, and data center technologies.
• Develop automation scripts for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics (Python, Bash).
• Collaborate with hyperscaler engineers on real-time syncs, code reviews, and scoping in Mandarin and English.
• Support customers through proof-of-concept, early trials, and production/escalation support.
• Document solutions and present technical findings to engineering peers and stakeholders.

Skills

TCP/IP knowledge

Routing protocols

Switching technologies

Network security concepts

Bilingual Mandarin/English

Python

Bash

Hands-on lab learning

Linux system administration

Multi-vendor networking

Communication skills

Education

Graduate-level program in network engineering

Related field (CS/CE)

Tools

SDN platforms

Network automation tools

Job description

About Nexthop AI

Nexthop AI is building the most efficient AI networking infrastructure for the world's largest cloud operators. We design and deliver the hardware, software, and systems that power hyperscale AI deployments. We're a fast-moving, ambitious team solving hard problems at the forefront of AI infrastructure. If that excites you, learn more at nexthop.ai.

The Role

We're looking for a driven, bilingual (Mandarin/English) new grad or recent graduate to join our Customer Engineering team in Bellevue, WA. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of cutting-edge networking technology. You'll be hands-on from day one: building and testing network architectures, writing automation scripts, supporting customer proof-of-concepts, and serving as a technical bridge between Nexthop's engineering team and our hyperscaler partners. This is a foundational engineering role for someone who wants to understand how AI-scale networks are designed, built, and operated - and who wants to help shape that future.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable network architectures in lab and production settings
• Configure and troubleshoot routing, switching, and data center technologies
• Develop automation scripts for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics (Python, Bash)
• Work directly with hyperscaler engineering teams - conducting real-time technical syncs, code reviews, and project scoping sessions in both Mandarin and English
• Support customers through proof-of-concept, early trials, and production/escalation support
• Document solutions and present technical findings to engineering peers and stakeholdersHelp shape what this team looks like - we're building the culture as we go

What You Bring

Must-Have:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate-level program in network engineering, computer science, computer engineering, internetworking or relevant with a focus on hands-on, lab-based learning
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, switching technologies, and network security concepts
• Bilingual Technical Proficiency: Full professional fluency in both Mandarin and English (written and verbal). This is a strict business necessity as the role requires leading real-time technical syncs, performing code reviews, and negotiating project scopes directly with our APAC-based engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., Python, Bash)
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience with Linux system administration
• Familiarity with SDN platforms, network automation tools, or simulation software
• Exposure to multi‑vendor networking environments (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Arista)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  

What You'll Gain

• Hands‑on experience designing and operating real-world hyperscale networking infrastructure
• Mentorship from some of the most experienced engineers in the AI networking space
• Real ownership and impact from day one - this is a startup, not a rotation program
• Skill growth in network automation, architecture, and large‑scale operational practices
• A front‑row seat to building a company at the frontier of AI infrastructure

Employment

Full‑Time: Associate‑level, full‑time role based in Bellevue, WA (Richmond area)
This role is on‑site; candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to the greater Seattle/Bellevue area

Learn More

• Company Launch Press Release
• CEO Anshul Sadana on theCUBE
• The Hyperscaler Paradox - Build, Buy or Partner?